Friday, 17 July 2015

How to wear a Bodycon dress, over 40.

Skin-tight Bodycon dress? Over 40?!Surely this is a Type-O?

I have to admit that this outfit might be taking things a little too far (for some) towards the dreaded 'Mutton dressed as lamb' category of dressing, BUT some strange things happened today that made me say, "What the hell!?" and just go for it.Firstly, I went to the hairdresser. Pretty normal right?I had every intention of asking her to 'tidy it up' and tell her I was intending on growing it a little with a view to achieving a cute little bob (much more sensible and grown-up for someone of my age) but I found myself saying,"I really fancy an undercut, would it look okay?"Her face lit up and, in the blink of an eye, the scissors were working furiously, undercutting both sides and chopping into the top..I am delighted with her efforts.I felt instantly rejuvenated.No need for a dye either....the cut seemed to breath life into my natural colour (and those pesky greys).All in all a good experience.Secondly, My good friend gave me what can only be described as a Graphic patterned, long, VERY tight, T-shirt.She hands it over saying, "I found this dress and had to get it for you, it's just your thing!"I unwrapped it dubiously and found myself thinking that it was: too thin, too short, too young, not my colour, etc etcOh dear....what should I do?But, as I looked at it, I suddenly realised... Just because we have a distorted version of ourselves (and how we look) in our own minds, does not mean that the rest of the world sees us that way. We should give ourselves a break!My friend thinks I would look great in this, so why not give it a go?I decided that I would style it for a girls night out: adding a long, sleeveless, fine-knit cardigan, blue Bertie heels and a little box clutch. I felt cheeky and ready for fun.It is certainly not an outfit for the faint hearted.But why not?Who decides on the fashion rules anyway?If you want to wear bodycon, then go for it! Over 40 or not.XXXDress: (or long t-shirt!!) Illustrated PeopleCardigan: TopshopShoes: Bertie Bespoke (Charity shop find)Bag: TkmaxxNecklace: Tatty Devine

Hey! I discovered your blog last week and the wonderful Not Dressed As Lamb the week before and I can't tell you how inspiring your blogs are. I'm a tall, slim midlife woman on a budget and I love that you wear charity shop finds and have fun with your outfits. I've just bought some long, quite clingy tops online that look more like mini dresses now I have tried them on. I bought them just to lounge around the house with leggings or jeans but now I'm wondering whether I could dress them up a bit. The problem is that they show every lump and bump, not just my rounder tummy but the dreaded VPL too! Being tall I can still do short hemlines with opaques. I'd just like to find a way of disguising the belly and bum areas without doing away with the overall silhouette… if that makes sense! Your post has given me confidence to at least try.

I'm so glad to have discovered your blog and the others too. I might be middle aged but there's no way I want to bland in and frump out, and start wearing camel coats and court shoes – although I'm sure you and the fabulous Catherine could pull it off with aplomb!

Thank you for such a great comment Jane!These bodycon t-shirt dress(ish) tops can be VERY unforgiving. Some people like to wear shapewear. I am not a fan, and think that if I have a VPL then smaller pants are needed (or none at all). A pattern helps disguise lumpy bits, as does a long waistcoat, cardigan or kimono. Belts look great and a full slip can work too. There are loads of ways to play with smoke and mirrors :oDI hope you enjoy having fun with your new clothes.I don't think I will ever give up my short hems (thank goodness for opaques) and why should we? Thankfully, we are older women in a modern world where anything goes! Thank so much for stopping by. XXX